Embracing Our Communities

Why Choose Philadelphia: Embracing Diversity

Philadelphia has always enjoyed a reputation as a city overflowing with history and culture. In addition to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, visitors and locals alike experience our rich, diverse history that underlines the very fabric that helped build Philadelphia.

Come explore our dynamic neighborhoods and attractions, world-renowned restaurants and eclectic shopping (clothing and shoe purchases are tax-free!). From one of the country’s oldest and largest “Gayborhoods” to thriving African American, Latino, Native American and Asian communities, our city is open and welcoming to visitors of all backgrounds and cultures.

Best of all, Philadelphia’s compact downtown places all of this and so much more within a short walk or cab ride from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and any downtown hotel.

PHL Diversity raises Philadelphia’s profile as an ethnically diverse convention and visitor destination by showcasing our city’s vibrant multicultural communities, and by encouraging social responsibility in the hospitality industry. We understand that, in order to be a leader, we must go beyond simply accepting “equal opportunity” – we must value and embrace diversity as a strategic competitive advantage.

Diverse Philadelphia

PHL Diversity celebrates 30 years of building more than great conventions — we celebrate and accelerate cultural diversity and intentional inclusion. Watch our video celebrating diversity, multiculturalism and Philadelphia.

PHL Diversity Podcasts

Listen up, Philadelphia! We’re back with Season 4 of the PHL Diversity podcast series. (Click for all podcasts.) From best practices to emerging trends, our podcast allows listeners to gain a deeper understanding of how Philadelphia’s hospitality leaders are reshaping the industry, while learning about developments, initiatives and major meetings and conferences that may benefit their own business or organization. Happy Listening! (And don’t miss our past episodes here.)

Ryan Eppley, Director of Partnerships, REC Philly, Ryan Eppley, Director of Partnerships, REC Philly, is a creative entrepreneur with big ideas for the future of Philadelphia’s active community of artists. He joins the PHL Diversity Podcast to talk about his work at REC Philly, and a new project beginning to take shape in Philadelphia’s Fashion District. With a goal of giving back to the community, Ryan also discusses REC Philly’s social responsibility to the artists and creative entrepreneurs it serves.

Larry Needle, Executive Director, PHL Sports, a business development division of PHLCVB, is a relationship builder, facilitator and passionate sports fan who is responsible for bringing major events to Philadelphia. During his 27-year career, he’s had many successes, including the NFL Draft 2017 and continuing the storied history of the Army-Navy Game in Philadelphia. This year’s 119th rendition takes place on Dec. 8, and Larry gives insight into how Philadelphia has shaped this annual tradition.